What are the main causes of stomach ulcers. How can ulcers lead to serious complications. When should you seek medical treatment for ulcer symptoms. What are the most effective ways to prevent and treat stomach ulcers.

Understanding Stomach Ulcers: Causes and Risk Factors

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, they are not caused by stress or spicy foods alone. The two main causes of stomach ulcers are:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria infection
• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen

While psychological stress isn’t a direct cause, it can exacerbate symptoms and slow healing. Other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of ulcers
• Age (risk increases after 50)

Common Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

Recognizing the symptoms of stomach ulcers is crucial for early detection and treatment. Common signs include:

• Burning pain in the abdomen, especially between meals or at night
• Feeling of fullness, bloating, or belching
• Intolerance to fatty foods
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dark or bloody stools

Do stomach ulcers always cause pain? Not necessarily. Some people with ulcers may not experience any symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are important, especially if you have risk factors.

Complications of Untreated Stomach Ulcers

While many ulcers heal on their own, untreated stomach ulcers can lead to serious complications. These include:

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is the most common complication of stomach ulcers. It occurs when an ulcer develops at the site of a blood vessel. Bleeding can be slow and chronic, leading to anemia, or rapid and severe, causing more immediate symptoms.

Symptoms of internal bleeding include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Heart palpitations
• Vomiting blood (hematemesis)
• Black, tarry stools (melena)

Perforation

A rarer but more serious complication is perforation, where the stomach lining splits open. This allows bacteria to escape and infect the abdominal lining, causing peritonitis. Symptoms of perforation include sudden, severe abdominal pain that worsens over time.

Gastric Outlet Obstruction

In some cases, inflammation or scarring from an ulcer can block the passage of food through the digestive system. This condition, known as gastric outlet obstruction, can cause:

• Repeated vomiting of undigested food
• Persistent bloating or fullness
• Feeling full after eating small amounts
• Unintentional weight loss

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Stomach Ulcers

If you suspect you have a stomach ulcer, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may use several methods to diagnose an ulcer:

• Blood tests to check for H. pylori infection
• Stool tests to look for signs of bleeding
• Breath tests to detect H. pylori
• Upper endoscopy to visually examine the stomach lining
• Barium swallow to create X-ray images of the digestive tract

Treatment for stomach ulcers typically involves:

1. Antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori infection
2. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to reduce stomach acid
3. Protective medications to coat the ulcer and promote healing
4. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake

How long does it take for a stomach ulcer to heal? With proper treatment, most ulcers heal within 4 to 8 weeks. However, larger or more severe ulcers may take longer to heal completely.

Preventing Stomach Ulcers: Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations

While not all ulcers can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:

• Wash hands frequently to avoid H. pylori infection
• Use caution with NSAIDs and follow dosage instructions carefully
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or therapy
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Are there specific foods that can help prevent or heal ulcers? While no food can directly prevent ulcers, some may support overall digestive health:

• Probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods
• Foods high in flavonoids, such as apples, cranberries, and garlic
• Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and bell peppers

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care for Ulcer Symptoms

While many ulcer symptoms can be managed with treatment, certain signs require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Black, tarry stools
• Dizziness, fainting, or confusion
• Rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing

These symptoms could indicate a serious complication such as perforation or severe bleeding, which require immediate medical intervention.

Living with Stomach Ulcers: Management and Long-term Outlook

For many people, stomach ulcers are a one-time occurrence that resolves with proper treatment. However, some individuals may be prone to recurrent ulcers. In these cases, long-term management strategies are essential:

• Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider
• Adherence to prescribed medication regimens
• Avoidance of known triggers, such as certain medications or foods
• Stress management techniques
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet

Can stomach ulcers recur after treatment? Yes, ulcers can recur, especially if the underlying cause (such as H. pylori infection) is not fully addressed. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations to prevent recurrence.

Impact on Quality of Life

Living with stomach ulcers can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Chronic pain, dietary restrictions, and the fear of complications can lead to:

• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Social isolation
• Reduced work productivity

It’s important to address these aspects of ulcer management as well. Support groups, counseling, and stress-reduction techniques can be valuable tools in coping with the psychological impact of chronic ulcers.

Monitoring and Follow-up Care

After initial treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Repeat endoscopy to confirm ulcer healing
• Periodic testing for H. pylori to ensure eradication
• Regular check-ups to monitor for recurrence or complications

How often should you have follow-up appointments for stomach ulcers? The frequency of follow-up care will depend on the severity of your condition and your individual risk factors. Your doctor will create a personalized monitoring plan based on your specific situation.

Advances in Stomach Ulcer Research and Treatment

Medical research continues to advance our understanding and treatment of stomach ulcers. Some promising areas of research include:

• Development of new antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant H. pylori strains
• Investigation of probiotics as a complementary treatment for ulcers
• Exploration of natural compounds with anti-ulcer properties
• Improved diagnostic techniques for early detection of ulcers and their complications

What new treatments are on the horizon for stomach ulcers? While current treatments are generally effective, researchers are exploring several innovative approaches:

• Gene therapy targeting H. pylori
• Novel drug delivery systems for more targeted treatment
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic factors

These advancements hold promise for more effective, personalized treatments with fewer side effects in the future.

The Role of Telemedicine in Ulcer Management

With the rise of telemedicine, managing stomach ulcers has become more accessible for many patients. Telemedicine offers several benefits:

• Convenient follow-up appointments without the need for travel
• Easier access to specialists, particularly for patients in rural areas
• Timely adjustments to treatment plans based on symptom reports
• Virtual support groups and counseling sessions

While telemedicine cannot replace all in-person care, it can be a valuable tool in the ongoing management of stomach ulcers, especially for routine check-ins and minor concerns.

Stomach Ulcers in Special Populations

Certain groups may require special considerations when it comes to stomach ulcer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment:

Elderly Patients

Older adults are at higher risk for stomach ulcers due to increased use of NSAIDs and age-related changes in the stomach lining. They may also be more susceptible to complications. Special considerations for this group include:

• Careful monitoring of medication interactions
• Lower threshold for diagnostic testing
• Gentler treatment options to minimize side effects

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of stomach ulcers. Considerations for pregnant women include:

• Limited use of certain medications due to potential risks to the fetus
• Non-invasive diagnostic techniques when possible
• Close monitoring for complications that could affect the pregnancy

Children

While less common in children, stomach ulcers can occur. Pediatric patients may require:

• Age-appropriate diagnostic procedures
• Careful dosing of medications
• Family-centered approach to treatment and lifestyle modifications

How does the approach to treating stomach ulcers differ in these special populations? Treatment plans must be tailored to account for the unique physiological and lifestyle factors of each group. This may involve adjusting medication doses, using alternative diagnostic methods, or providing additional support services.

The Economic Impact of Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers not only affect individual health but also have significant economic implications:

• Direct medical costs for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care
• Indirect costs due to lost productivity and work absenteeism
• Long-term economic burden from managing chronic or recurrent ulcers

What is the estimated annual cost of stomach ulcers to the healthcare system? While exact figures vary by country and study methodology, the economic burden of peptic ulcer disease, including stomach ulcers, is substantial. In the United States alone, annual costs have been estimated in the billions of dollars when accounting for both direct medical expenses and indirect costs.

Public Health Strategies

Given the significant impact of stomach ulcers, public health strategies are crucial for reducing their prevalence and burden. These may include:

• Education campaigns about risk factors and prevention
• Screening programs for high-risk populations
• Policies to reduce H. pylori transmission in communities
• Guidelines for appropriate use of NSAIDs and other ulcer-causing medications

By implementing comprehensive public health approaches, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of stomach ulcers and their associated complications, ultimately improving population health and reducing healthcare costs.

In conclusion, stomach ulcers are a common and potentially serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely medical care, individuals can effectively manage ulcers and prevent complications. Ongoing research and advancements in treatment continue to improve outcomes for those affected by this condition. Whether you’re dealing with a current ulcer or looking to prevent future occurrences, working closely with healthcare providers and adopting healthy lifestyle habits are key steps towards maintaining digestive health and overall well-being.

Stomach ulcer – Complications – NHS

Complications of stomach ulcers are relatively uncommon, but they can be very serious if they happen.

Internal bleeding

Internal bleeding is the most common complication of stomach ulcers. It can happen when an ulcer develops at the site of a blood vessel.

The bleeding can either be:

• slow, long-term bleeding, leading to anaemia – causing fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin and heart palpitations (noticeable heartbeats)
• rapid and severe bleeding – causing you to vomit blood or pass stools that are black, sticky and tar-like

You should visit your GP if you have persistent symptoms of anaemia. If they think you may have a stomach ulcer, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist for an examination and treatment.

Contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately, or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department, if you have symptoms of more severe bleeding.

Treating internal bleeding

A gastroscopy will be used to identify the cause of the bleeding and treatment can often be given during this to stop the bleeding.

Sometimes specialised procedures carried out under X-ray guidance are used to stop bleeding ulcers, although surgery may occasionally be required to repair the affected blood vessel.

Blood transfusions may also be needed to replace the blood you have lost.

Perforation

A rarer complication of stomach ulcers is the lining of the stomach splitting open, known as perforation.

This can be very serious because it enables the bacteria that live in your stomach to escape and infect the lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). This is known as peritonitis.

In peritonitis, an infection can rapidly spread into the blood (sepsis) before spreading to other organs. This carries the risk of multiple organ failure and can be fatal if left untreated.

The most common symptom of peritonitis is sudden abdominal pain that gets steadily worse. 

If you have this type of pain, contact your GP immediately. If this isn’t possible, call NHS 111 or your local NHS out-of-hours service.

Peritonitis is a medical emergency that requires hospital admission. In some cases, surgery may be needed.

Read more about treating peritonitis.

Gastric outlet obstruction

In some cases, an inflamed (swollen) or scarred stomach ulcer can stop food from going through your digestive system. This is known as gastric outlet obstruction.

Symptoms can include:

• repeated episodes of vomiting, with large amounts of vomit that contain undigested food
• a persistent feeling of bloating or fullness
• feeling very full after eating less food than usual
• unintentional weight loss

A gastroscopy can be used to confirm the obstruction. If the obstruction is caused by inflammation, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or h3-receptor antagonists can be used to reduce stomach acid levels until the swelling goes down.

If the obstruction is caused by scar tissue, surgery may be needed to treat it, although it can sometimes be treated by passing a small balloon through an endoscope and inflating it to widen the site of the obstruction.

Page last reviewed: 14 January 2022
Next review due: 14 January 2025

Ask a Doc: What Causes Stomach Ulcers?

CS-Blog

Cedars-Sinai Blog

Dec 16, 2018
Cedars-Sinai Staff

Daily psychological stress isn’t clearly the sole cause of ulcers. But it can make symptoms worse.

The holidays can bring goodwill, cheer, and…ulcers?

Hosting relatives and last-minute shopping can cause stress—a rumored culprit of gastric (stomach) ulcers. And let’s not forget the potential for overindulging in winter cocktails and holiday feasts.

Can all of this holiday cheer lead you to opening antacids instead of presents?

To better understand ulcers and what causes them, we spoke with Dr. Quin Liu from the Interventional Gastroenterology program at Cedars-Sinai.

Is it true that certain foods can cause gastric ulcers?

Dr. Liu: No, that is a myth.

Foods themselves do not cause ulcers, but certain foods can cause typical symptoms of ulcers such as abdominal pain, burning sensation in the abdomen or chest area, or any abdominal discomfort.

When should I seek treatment for these symptoms?

Dr. Liu: You should seek treatment if the abdominal pain persists and intensifies to the point where it affects your daily life.

Seek treatment if you notice decreased appetite, fatigue, pain that interrupts your sleep or other normal activities, and change in your bowel habits. Most worrisome would be blood in your vomit or stool.

Read: Not Just a Stomach Ache: Symptoms of Appendicitis

Is it true that stress leads to ulcers?

Dr. Liu: Actually, this is partially true.

The two big causes of ulcers are physiological stress and infection. Physiological stress can come from a previous illness or trauma, undergoing a major surgery, and extreme physical activity/exercise.

Daily psychological stressors are not clearly sole causes of ulcers, but they can make symptoms of ulcers worse.

When an ulcer occurs because of infection, antibiotics and stomach-acid-blocking medicines will treat it.

Can taking too much aspirin give you an ulcer?

Dr. Liu: Yes, aspirin can cause ulcers, as can other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications and steroids.

Read: Tummy Troubles: Don’t Suffer in Silence with IBS

How long do ulcers typically last?

Dr. Liu: There are many causes of ulcers  and the vast majority of them can be initially evaluated and treated in noninvasive ways, such as blood/stool/breath testing and lab work.

If an ulcer is treatable with appropriate medications, then it may take about 2-3 months to heal.

how they are connected and what to do

If you have a coma in your throat and a stomach ulcer, you should pay attention to your diet and lifestyle. It is necessary to exclude spicy, fatty, smoked foods and alcohol, as well as to be more calm and relaxed. It is important not to postpone a visit to the doctor in order to receive timely treatment and prevent possible complications.

A lump in the throat is an unpleasant sensation that can occur for many reasons. However, it can also be associated with stomach ulcers, which are serious conditions in the gastrointestinal tract.

A stomach ulcer is a deep defect in the gastric mucosa that results in the formation of an ulcer. It can cause heavy bleeding, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

A lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer may be associated, as the sensation of a lump in the throat may be caused by reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus. This may occur due to an increase in the acidity of the contents of the stomach, which is characteristic of stomach ulcers. If you experience a regular sensation of a lump in your throat, be sure to see your doctor to check your stomach and esophagus.

In this article, we will look at the main causes of a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers, and give advice on what to do if you encounter these problems.

What is a lump in the throat?

A lump in the throat is a feeling as if something is caught in the throat or as if a piece of food is stuck there and cannot be swallowed. This condition can be temporary and resolve on its own, or it can become chronic and cause an increase in the granularity of the mucous membrane of the throat.

This feeling can occur for various reasons: from mental stress to diseases of the endocrine glands and endocrine system, from respiratory diseases to traumatic injuries of the spine.

Sometimes a lump in the throat can be a symptom of a stomach ulcer, as the acid that is secreted in the wrong way in this disease enters the esophagus and throat, causing irritation and discomfort.

Related videos:

What is a stomach ulcer?

Gastric ulcer is a chronic disease associated with the formation of an ulcer in the stomach or duodenum. An ulcer is an injury to the lining of an organ that can cause pain and bleeding.

Ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, frequent use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), stress, upset stomach, and other medical problems.

Gastric ulcer symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, appetite disturbances, and weight loss. Some people may not have obvious symptoms and only become aware of the disease through medical examinations.

Stomach ulcers are treated with medicines that reduce stomach acid and kill the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. It may also be necessary to adjust the diet and daily routine. In some cases, surgery is required.

Association between a lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer

When a person suffers from a lump in the throat, it may be due to dysfunction of the stomach. In most cases, a lump in the throat is due to reflux, when the contents of the stomach travel up the esophagus to the throat.

Gastric ulcer, in turn, is one of the main causes of reflux. This condition is characterized by the formation of an ulcer on the wall of the stomach, which can lead to a change in the form and function of this organ.

In the presence of a stomach ulcer, the esophagus may become more compressed, causing a feeling of a lump in the throat. This can be further exacerbated by stress and diet, which also affect the condition of the stomach.

• Symptoms associated with reflux and stomach ulcers:
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Feeling bitter after eating
• Stomach pain
• Chest discomfort 90 050
• Difficulty swallowing

To prevent a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers, it is necessary to monitor the diet, avoid spicy and fatty foods, alcohol and nicotine. It is also important to review your medical history and consult your doctor if you suspect you have a stomach ulcer or other gastrointestinal disease.

Causes of a lump in the throat

Psycho-emotional state : One of the most common causes of a lump in the throat are psychological factors such as excessive excitement, anxiety, stress, depression and other highly emotional conditions.

Cervical Spine Disorders : Pinched nerves in the cervical spine can cause a sensation of a lump in the throat. Also, the cause can be various diseases, such as osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc.

Esophageal reflux : This is a condition in which stomach contents back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and pain in the throat and chest. As a result, there is a sensation of a coma in the throat.

Allergic reactions : some people may experience a lump in the throat when exposed to certain allergens such as dust, mold, plant pollen, etc.

Acute respiratory viral infection : this infection can cause swelling of the throat lining causing a feeling of coma.

Cancers : Sometimes a lump in the throat may be associated with a throat, esophageal or lung disease such as cancer, which requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of stomach ulcers

1. Helicobacter pylori

This bacterium is the main cause of stomach ulcers. It penetrates the lining of the stomach and causes chronic inflammation.

2. Use of certain drugs

Long-term use of certain drugs such as nextatin, aspirin, diclofenac and others may cause stomach ulcers.

3. Stress and nervous tension

Stress and anxiety can become the strongest provocateurs for the development of gastric ulcer. At the same time, acidity in the stomach increases sharply and the natural balance between acid and the protective factors of the gastric mucosa is disturbed …

4. Eating disorders

Improper diet, irregular meals, frequent snacking, eating spicy and fatty foods can provoke stomach ulcers.

1. Avoid excessive spicy and fatty foods
2. Divide your meals into 5-6 meals per day.
3. Do not chew gum

5. Heredity

If there has been a history of stomach ulcers in the family, sensitivity to the development of this disease can be inherited.

Symptoms of a lump in the throat

1. Sensation of a lump in the throat

The main symptom of a lump in the throat is the sensation of a lump or a foreign body that does not go away and interferes with normal swallowing. The sensation of a coma can be intensified by anxiety, stress, and also after eating certain foods.

2. Pain when swallowing

A coma in the throat may cause pain when swallowing, which is caused by irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat and esophagus. The pain can manifest as sharp and burning, or constant and pressing.

3. Bad taste in the mouth

A lump in the throat is often accompanied by an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which occurs due to the formation of putrefactive masses in the tonsils. You may also experience bad breath.

4. Difficulty breathing

If a lump in the throat is accompanied by swelling of the larynx or pressure on the airways, the patient may experience difficulty breathing. In severe cases, urgent medical attention is needed.

5. Cough and hoarseness

The appearance of cough and hoarseness may indicate the presence of a lump in the throat that irritates the airways. This manifestation is especially characteristic of an allergic coma in the throat.

6. Abdominal pain and heartburn

If a lump in the throat is associated with acid reflux disease, the patient may experience abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, belching and other symptoms associated with indigestion.

Symptoms of gastric ulcer

1. Pain in the epigastric region (upper abdomen).

One of the main symptoms of a stomach ulcer is pain, which is localized in the epigastric region. The pain can be of different intensity and character: dull, oppressive, stabbing or burning.

2. Feeling of heaviness in the stomach, belching, heartburn.

With a stomach ulcer, there may be a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach, belching with an acid taste, as well as a burning sensation and discomfort behind the sternum – heartburn.

3. Nervousness, irritability, loss of appetite.

Gastric ulcer can lead to disturbance of the digestive function of the stomach and intuition for food. This can lead to loss of appetite, nervousness and irritability.

4. Weight loss.

Patients with stomach ulcers may experience weight loss, which is associated with indigestion and decreased appetite.

5. Weakness, pale skin, anemia.

Anemia may be associated with bleeding from a stomach ulcer. With prolonged bleeding, signs of weakness, dizziness, pale skin and rapid fatigue may appear.

6. Acute bleeding from a stomach ulcer.

Acute bleeding from a stomach ulcer is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms are a sharp pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, pale skin, loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis of a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers

To diagnose a lump in the throat, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient. First of all, with the help of a gastroenterological examination, the presence of a stomach ulcer is determined. For this, fibrogastroduodenoscopy is performed, which allows to assess the condition of the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.

It is also necessary to conduct a study of the function of the digestive system, for example, pH-metry or manometry. These methods allow you to determine the level of acidity of the stomach and the tension of the muscles of its walls.

To diagnose a lump in the throat, fluoroscopy can be used, in which the doctor evaluates the patency of the esophagus and larynx. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and neck can also be prescribed, which gives a detailed idea of ​​the anatomical structure of the organs.

Specialists may also order allergy tests, since a lump in the throat is often the result of an allergic reaction of the body to one or more substances.

• Fibrogastroduodenoscopy
• PH-metry or manometry
• Fluoroscopy
• Computed tomography
• Allergy tests

In general, the diagnosis and treatment of a lump in the throat and stomach ulcers require a visit to a doctor and systematic examination of the body.

Treatment of a lump in the throat

The feeling of a lump in the throat can be caused by various factors – from banal fatigue and nervous tension to serious diseases. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out the cause of the appearance of a coma.

If the lump is caused by stress, then relaxation, meditation and breathing exercises can be a good way to eliminate it. Anti-anxiety medications may also be helpful, but should only be taken as directed by a doctor.

If the lump is caused by a disease of the respiratory or digestive organs, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease under medical supervision. In such cases, the treatment of a stone in the throat can be carried out with the help of drugs aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. Antitussives can also be used to ease breathing and reduce coma symptoms.

In severe cases, when the coma is accompanied by weakness, dizziness and other symptoms, medical attention is needed. Doctors may prescribe procedures, such as nasopharyngeal irrigations or inhalations, as well as prescribe medications to treat the condition.

In any case, if a lump appears in the throat, it is necessary to consult a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause of the disease. Do not self-medicate, as improper treatment can worsen your health.

• Find out the cause of the coma.
• Stress relief: relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, sedatives.
• Treatment of the underlying disease.
• Antitussives.
• Medical assistance: procedures, nasal lavage, inhalations, medicines.
• Seeing a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause of an illness.

Gastric ulcer treatment

Gastric ulcer treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor. It depends on the severity of the disease, the presence of complications and the individual characteristics of the patient. The basis of therapy is the following activities:

• Prescribing antibiotics – Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which are found in the stomach of most patients with stomach ulcers, must be destroyed. For this, special antibiotics are prescribed.
• Taking drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach – digestion disorders are reduced, pain is reduced.
• Diet – Avoid spicy, fatty, acidic foods, alcohol, coffee, marinades and smoking. Pleasant and light eating is an important condition for a quick recovery of the body.
• Mode of work and rest — it is necessary to understand that a patient depends a lot on his own attitude towards his health. Regular rest, food, communication and doing things you love help you get through the treatment faster.

After the treatment, it is recommended to do follow-up examinations and follow the diet. The doctor may advise taking a course of medication to maintain the stomach and overall strengthening of the body.

Prevention of coma in the throat and stomach ulcers

A lump in the throat and stomach ulcers are unpleasant and common problems, but there are many ways to avoid them.

1. Drink enough water every day. Lack of fluid can lead to a decrease in acidity in the stomach, which can cause constriction and, as a result, a lump in the throat.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Limit fatty, spicy, and acidic foods, which can irritate the stomach and cause ulcers.

3. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help control weight and improve digestive health.

4. Avoid stress and psychological overload. Stress can impair stomach function and cause a lump in the throat.

5. Do not abuse alcohol and nicotine. Both substances can impair digestion and increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

6. Take medications only as directed by your doctor. Some medications, such as aspirin, may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.

7. Correctly treat existing problems. If you have symptoms of a lump in your throat or stomach ulcers, contact your doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience frequent gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain, heartburn or belching, you should see your doctor. These symptoms may be associated with various gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, or inflammation of the esophagus.

In addition, if you experience prolonged nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss, you may have serious health problems. These symptoms may indicate stomach cancer or other dangerous diseases.

If you have symptoms associated with a lump in your throat, such as a feeling of dryness, tightness or pressure in your throat, difficulty swallowing, or painful chewing of food, you should also see your doctor. These symptoms may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other diseases that can develop into extremely dangerous conditions.

In any case, if you develop new and unusual symptoms and/or symptoms become more severe, contact your doctor. No matter how severe or minor your symptoms seem, each of them can indicate a serious condition that should be brought to the immediate attention and treatment of medical professionals.

Conclusions

So, there is a direct connection between a lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer. Lump can occur as a result of digestive disorders, stress and other factors that can also lead to the development of stomach ulcers.

To prevent a coma in the throat and stomach ulcers, you need to monitor your food and emotional discipline. Eating regularly, chewing slowly and well, giving up bad habits, and regularly controlling stress levels will all be beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract.

If you have symptoms of a lump in your throat or stomach ulcers, you should contact your doctor immediately. Treatment can be long, but early detection and initiation of therapy are important factors for a successful cure.

Also, be aware that self-medication and neglect of symptoms can lead to serious consequences such as internal bleeding, ulcerative perforations, and other complications.

• Summing up, it is worth highlighting the following points:
• A lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer have common causes of development;
• For prevention, you need to monitor your lifestyle, eat right and control stress levels;
• If symptoms occur, seek medical attention for treatment;
• Self-medication and ignoring symptoms can lead to serious complications.

Q&A:

How are a lump in the throat and a stomach ulcer connected?

These symptoms may be related, as the acid released from stomach ulcers can cause irritation and tingling in the throat, sometimes even to the point of a lump.

What other symptoms may accompany a throat and stomach ulcer?

Other symptoms may include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, stomach and side pain, general weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue and weight loss.

What can cause a lump in the throat?

A lump in the throat can be caused by many things, including stress, anxiety, depression, overwork, allergen reactions, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and other throat conditions.

What medicines can be taken for stomach ulcers?

Anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and antibacterial drugs to treat Helicobacter pylori infection may be given to treat stomach ulcers.

What can be done to get rid of a lump in the throat?

To relieve a lump in the throat, you can: drink a sip of water, take a deep breath, do relaxation exercises, use meditation therapy, do without alcohol and tobacco.

Can stomach ulcers be avoided?

Yes, you can. In order to avoid stomach ulcers, it is recommended to avoid spicy, fried and smoked foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco, constantly monitor the diet and rest, reduce stress and anxiety.

When should I see a doctor if I have symptoms of a lump in my throat and stomach ulcers?

If the symptoms interfere with daily life and do not disappear after applying the recommendations mentioned above, a doctor should be consulted. Also, if there is bleeding from the stomach or feces, medical attention should be sought urgently.

symptoms, causes, treatment, diet

A stomach ulcer is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This is a chronic pathology in which defects occur in the gastric mucosa. With untimely treatment or its complete absence, it can cause a person’s disability or even death.

Gastric and duodenal ulcers affect people aged 20 to 65 years. Men from 25 to 40 years old get sick 5-6 times more often than women, for the reason that male sex hormones indirectly increase the acidity and aggressiveness of gastric juice, and female ones decrease it.

Structure of the human stomach

The stomach is an organ of the digestive system in which food accumulates, and under the action of gastric juice, it undergoes primary digestion with the formation of a mushy mixture.

The stomach is mostly located in the upper left region of the abdominal cavity. The stomach does not have a specific shape and size, since they depend on the degree of its filling, the state of its muscular wall (contracted or relaxed) and age. The capacity of the organ is about 3 liters, 21-25 cm long.

The stomach has two main functions:

• Secretory . Excretion of gastric juice, which contains the necessary components for the initial stages of digestion and the formation of chyme (food lump). Approximately 2 liters of gastric juice are secreted per day. With a disorder of the secretory function of the stomach, a person’s acidity increases, i.e. the release of hydrochloric acid increases, or the acidity decreases, accompanied by a decrease in the release of hydrochloric acid.
• Motor . The muscular layer of the stomach contracts, resulting in mixing of food with gastric juice, primary digestion and promotion through the duodenum.

Violations of the motility of the stomach due to a violation of the tone of its muscular wall leads to a violation of digestion and the evacuation of gastric contents into the intestine. This is manifested by various dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, and others).

Mechanism of gastric ulcer formation

A gastric ulcer is a defect in the gastric mucosa, rarely less than 1 cm (sometimes submucosal), surrounded by an inflammatory zone.

The most common cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers is Helicobacter pylori infection. Various factors lead to an imbalance between protective factors (gastric mucus, gastritis, secretin, bicarbonates, gastric muco-epithelial barrier and others) of the gastric mucosa and aggression factors (Helicobacter Pylori, hydrochloric acid and pepsin).

Under the influence of treatment, the defect is overgrown with connective tissue (a scar is formed). The area on which the scar has formed does not have a functional ability (secretory function).

Causes of pathology development

The bacterium Helicobacter Pylori (the causative agent of ulcers) – has a destructive effect on the cells of the gastric mucosa, destroys local protective factors. As a result, a defect such as an ulcer is formed. Infection with a bacterium through the saliva of an infected person (non-observance of personal hygiene rules, use of unwashed dishes after an infected person).

Increased acidity – develops as a result of increased release of hydrochloric acid, which has a corrosive effect on the gastric mucosa, followed by the formation of a defect.

What influences the formation of stomach ulcers?

• Neuro-emotional overstrain leads to increased secretion of gastric juice (hydrochloric acid).
• Genetic predisposition to the formation of stomach ulcers.
• Smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption in large quantities, nicotine and ethyl alcohol stimulate the formation of gastric juice, thereby increasing acidity.
• The presence of a pre-ulcerative condition: chronic gastritis, chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
• Disturbed diet: dry food, long breaks between meals lead to a violation of the secretion of gastric juice.
• Abuse of sour, spicy and coarse foods.
• Long-term use of drugs that have a destructive effect on the gastric mucosa.

Symptoms of gastric ulcer

• Painful sensations . Ulcer pain can be annoying day and night. Most often, pain in pathology manifests itself during hunger. It is localized in the upper abdomen, may decrease or increase immediately, or after a while after eating, depending on the location of the ulcer.

Unpleasant signs of a stomach ulcer can be so pronounced that nausea or even vomiting appears, which intensifies in the morning and disappears after eating. The ulcer manifests itself more often in the autumn-spring periods.

• Feeling of heaviness in the stomach . A person often begins to reduce portions of food, since the absorption of even a small amount of food that falls on the inflamed areas of the gastric mucosa and ulcers can cause these unpleasant sensations.
• Bad breath, tongue coating . Frequent companions of any inflammatory diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), against which ulcers most often appear.

Gastric ulcer diagnostics

Diagnosis of a typical stomach ulcer is quite simple, carried out by a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Upon examination, the doctor determines the general condition of the patient, finds out complaints, the nature and characteristics of the course of the disease, and during palpation specifies the boundaries of the painful zones and their nature.

To form an accurate picture of the patient’s health status, the doctor may prescribe a complete blood count and instrumental examination. Most often, this is an endoscopic examination (EGDS).

The procedure is safe, lasts a few minutes, accompanied by unpleasant, but quite tolerable sensations. Allows you to examine the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract, to establish the presence and nature of inflammatory and erosive-ulcerative processes, as well as the appearance of neoplasms.

Treatment of stomach ulcers

A peptic ulcer is treated by a therapist or gastroenterologist. It aims to relieve symptoms, heal ulcers, and eliminate the cause of the disease through diet, lifestyle changes, and medication.

Medical therapy

To get rid of Helicobacter pylori infection, the doctor prescribes antibiotics, and to reduce the acidity of gastric juice, acid-lowering drugs, etc. which have no ulcerative action.

First, the pain is relieved with painkillers. Drugs are taken only if there is discomfort in the stomach. Enterosorbents are also prescribed, which neutralize the negative effects of toxins. In addition, the patient needs to drink a course of vitamins.

Food

It is important for stomach ulcers not to aggravate the symptoms with the help of bad habits. You need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. And also watch your diet. With a stomach ulcer, a special diet should be prescribed.

It involves a full meal, divided into 5-6 meals a day. The use of strong irritants of gastric secretion (ketchups, hot spices), coarse foods and dishes is limited. Food is prepared mostly pureed, steamed or boiled in water, fish and coarse meats are served in pieces. Very cold and hot dishes are excluded from the diet. The intake of table salt is limited.

The appearance of an excess amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach leads to the fact that pain occurs, the patient is tormented by heartburn. Water is needed, which has an alkalizing effect – when it is used, the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid are neutralized.

The opposite problem is low acidity. In this case, little gastric juice is produced. Bottom line: food is poorly digested, there is a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

Alkaline mineral waters speed up the processing of food and promote its rapid movement through the gastrointestinal tract.

Gastric ulcer prevention

With a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, careful attitude to your health, the likelihood of a stomach ulcer is extremely low. As we have already found out, sleep and nutrition disorders, an overly active lifestyle, as well as non-compliance with personal hygiene rules lead to the development of stomach ulcers.

If relatives had peptic ulcer disease, then regardless of complaints, endoscopy is recommended with the determination of gastric acidity, clarifying biopsies to determine H. Pylori infection and histological examination of suspicious areas at least once every 2 years.

You also need to adhere to a healthy lifestyle: give up bad habits, be physically active, sleep at least 7 hours at night. Avoid stressful situations, learn to perceive them correctly.

Regularly visit a doctor as part of a medical examination and eliminate foci of chronic infection. Starting from the age of 25, every two years, undergo a planned comprehensive endoscopic examination – endoscopy with the definition of H. Pylori.

Where to get the diagnosis and treatment of gastric ulcer in Krasnoyarsk?

The private medical clinic “Medunion” on Nikitin works for you.